Focus on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with the InnerBuddies Gut Microbiome Test

Consumers or Patients are advised to buy our regular gut testing product. This product is based on general preventive gut health but is often used by people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

COMING SOON: Special Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) module for Healthcare Professionals (HCP)

Expected launch date Q1 2026.

This new module is ONLY available for B2B partners which have a medical professional in the process who can advice the patient and manage the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) treatment.

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    The global Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) epidemic

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or both. Unlike conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, IBS does not cause visible damage to the digestive tract. Its exact cause remains unclear, but it is believed to involve a complex interplay between the gut and brain, influenced by factors like stress, diet, gut microbiota imbalances, and sensitivity to certain foods. While IBS does not lead to more serious diseases or shorten life expectancy, it can significantly impair quality of life and is a common reason for visits to primary care and gastroenterology clinics.

    In recent years, there has been increasing discussion of an “IBS epidemic,” as more people report symptoms and seek treatment. While this rise may be partly attributed to improved awareness and better diagnostic criteria, it also reflects modern lifestyle changes. High-stress environments, sedentary habits, ultra-processed diets, and widespread antibiotic use are all suspected contributors. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased psychological stress and disruptions in diet and routine, which some experts believe may have triggered or worsened IBS symptoms in a large portion of the population. As a result, IBS is now recognized not just as a medical condition but as a growing public health concern that demands more research and holistic approaches to management.

    Go here to buy our consumer testkit Go here to see our B2B or Healthcare Professional options
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    The Gut Microbiome: A Hidden Key to Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

    Recent research has revealed a strong connection between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and the gut microbiome—the diverse community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes living in the digestive tract. In healthy individuals, this microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation. However, in people with IBS, studies have found significant differences in the composition and activity of these gut microbes. For example, IBS patients often have lower levels of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and higher levels of potentially harmful or pro-inflammatory species. These imbalances, known as dysbiosis, can disrupt the gut’s normal functions, leading to symptoms such as bloating, pain, and irregular bowel movements.

    The mechanisms linking the microbiome to IBS symptoms are complex and multifaceted. One major pathway involves the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and other microbial metabolites, which help regulate gut motility and inflammation. An altered microbiome may produce excessive gas or irritants, which can stimulate the gut’s nerve endings and trigger pain or urgency. Moreover, the gut-brain axis—a bidirectional communication system between the gut and central nervous system—can be influenced by microbial signals, potentially heightening sensitivity to normal digestive processes in IBS sufferers. These insights have opened new avenues for treatment, such as probiotics, prebiotics, dietary changes like the low-FODMAP diet, and even fecal microbiota transplantation, though more research is needed to fully understand and harness these approaches.

    Go here to buy our consumer testkit Go here to see our B2B or Healthcare Professional options

    The InnerBuddies module "Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)" gives you insight in:

    This module is ONLY available for Healthcare Professionals (HCP) and will become available in Q3 2025

    • Fermentation Pathways

      Gut microbes ferment undigested carbohydrates and proteins, producing gases and metabolites that can influence IBS symptoms. This part looks at:

      • Carbohydrate fermentation (e.g., FODMAP fermentation)
      • Protein fermentation (e.g., putrefaction)
      • Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production – acetate, propionate, butyrate
      • Hydrogen and methane gas production – linked to bloating and altered motility

    • Bile Acid Metabolism

      Microbial enzymes transform primary bile acids into secondary bile acids, influencing gut motility and secretion. This part looks at:

      • Deconjugation of bile acids
      • 7α-dehydroxylation – leads to formation of secondary bile acids
      • Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity – regulates bile pool and colon sensitivity

    • Tryptophan Metabolism

      Tryptophan, an amino acid, is metabolized by gut bacteria into bioactive compounds that affect gut-brain signaling. This part looks at:

      • Indole and indole derivative production (e.g., indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-aldehyde)
      • Serotonin (5-HT) precursor modulation – influences gut motility and pain perception

    • Gasotransmitter Production

      Certain gases produced by microbes act as signaling molecules that affect smooth muscle function and nerve sensitivity. This part looks at:

      • Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production
      • Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis
      • Methane production – associated with constipation-predominant IBS

    • Immune-Modulating Pathways

      Microbial products interact with host immunity, potentially causing low-grade inflammation and hypersensitivity. This part look at:

      • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis – from gram-negative bacteria
      • Peptidoglycan and muramyl dipeptide release
      • Histamine and other biogenic amine production

    • Neuromodulatory Metabolites

      Gut microbes produce compounds that affect the enteric nervous system and mood through the gut-brain axis. This part looks at:

      • Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production
      • Dopamine and catecholamine precursors
      • SCFA influence on blood-brain barrier and vagus nerve signaling

    • Sulfur and Nitrogen Metabolism

      Altered sulfur/nitrogen pathways can produce toxic or irritating metabolites that contribute to symptoms. This part looks at:

      • Ammonia production
      • Sulfate reduction pathways – leading to H₂S production
      • Urea degradation and urease activity

    Targeted Recommendations

    The module "Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)" provides you with targeted nuttrition recommendations. Targeted not only on your unique gut microbiome but also targeted on the metabolic pathways that, according to the latest scientific publications, are important for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

    • Personalized on the DNA of your own Gut Microbiome

      Receive nutrition recommendations that according to our self-learning algorithms and our large customer database have the highest impact on your own unique gut microbiome.

    • Approved by our Dieticians

      We use Responsible A.I. techniques and built an algorithm that uses both our own proprietary databases but also the knowledge and experience of our strong dietician team.

    • Actionable

      Nutrition recommendations that you can just buy in your local supermarket. For your convenience, we also provide daily dosage recommendations.

    Get started with our Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) gut microbiome test in 7 easy steps!

    • 1. Purchase a kit & create an account.

      Do not forget to buy the personalized nutrition advice and the 3-month Noory subscription to get maximum benefit for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

    • 2. Fill in 3 day food diary & survey

      In the survey select "Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)" as your preferred target group. One FREE target group is included with every testkit.

    • 3. Take a stool sample

      And send it back in the return envelope with a prepaid return label. The return logistics and the laboratory process will generally take 3 to 4 weeks.

    • 4. View your results

      Once your results are uploaded and ready, you will receive an email. Login your dashboard to view all analysis results and recommendations. If you also included the nutrition advice and/or the 3-month Noory subscription in your purchase, these will also be available in your dashboard.

    • food recipe platform

      5. Noory platform

      If you bought the 3-month Noory subscription, you will receive direct access to personalized food recipes and meal plans on the Noory platform which AUTOMATICALLY take into account your gut microbiome nutrition advice, your allergies, intolerances and nutritional targets.

      Have ultimate real-time flexibility to choose the food recipes that you prefer to cook and eat. Accessible through desktop or mobile device.

    • health professional

      6. Link your Healthcare Professional (HCP) (optional)

      Both InnerBuddies and Noory are able to provide FREE access to the platform to your healthcare professional. But we need your EXPLICIT consent to do so given all privacy and health regulations. In the InnerBuddies platform you can also download all report sections in PDF format for sharing.

      Noory can also provide HCP access through NooryMed, a remote monitoring platform built for HCP's that allows sharing symptoms, food tracking and also takes into account Food - Drug interactions.

    • retest your gut health

      7. Retest your Gut Microbiome

      After your 3-month Noory subscription has ended, you can perform a new gut microbiome test and hopefully see the desired improvements in your test results. A new gut test will also update your nutrition recommendations and nutritional targets to the Noory platform so that you can start another 3-month improvement process. You can also select a new target group in the InnerBuddies platform if you want to set different objectives for the new 3-month period.

    Learn more about how the Gut Microbiome is connected to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

    View more articles
    innerbuddies gut microbiome testing

    Order the InnerBuddies Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) gut test that:

    • Provides a score between 0 and 100 of how your gut microbiome composition is configured for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
    • Provides detailed insight in how you rank for each of the microbial metabolic pathways that have been linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) according to the latest scientific publications
    • Uses a cutting-edge and science-based DNA technology
    • Provides you with nutritional and supplement recommendations based on your microbial results that are specifically optimized for the metabolic pathways linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
    • Is developed by an expert team of dieticians, specialists, and scientists to offer you the most accurate gut microbiome analysis
    Go here to buy our consumer testkit Go here to see our B2B or Healthcare Professional options

    Hear from our satisfied customers!

    • "I would like to let you know how excited I am. We had been on the diet for about two months (my husband eats with us). We felt better with it, but how much better was really only noticed during the Christmas vacations when we had received a large Christmas package and didn't stick to the diet for a while. Well that did give motivation again, because what a difference in gastrointestinal symptoms but also energy in both of us!"

      - Manon, age 29 -

    • "Super help!!! I was already well on my way, but now I know for sure what I should and should not eat, drink. I have been struggling with stomach and intestines for so long, hope I can get rid of it now."

      - Petra, age 68 -

    • "I have read your comprehensive report and advice. Many thanks for that and very informative. Presented in this way, I can certainly move forward with it. Therefore no new questions for now. I will gladly take your suggestions to heart. And good luck with your important work."

      - Dirk, age 73 -